Staff Biographies

Marissa Brewer

Director of Advocacy

Marissa Brewer leads the University of Illinois System’s grassroots advocacy program Illinois Connection. Originally from Texas, Marissa began her career as a legislative aide in Washington D.C. for a U.S. Congressman, advising him on a variety of issues, including education policy. While in D.C., she gained extensive experience in legislative advocacy, federal lobbying, politics, and elections. Marissa relocated to central Illinois in 2009 to work for Illinois State University as the Associate Director of Development and Governmental Relations. In 2013, Marissa joined the U of I System in 2013 to help lead the legislative advocacy efforts. In her current role, she leads the legislative advocacy efforts including the Illinois Connection, the system's grassroots advocacy program with more than 30,000 members.

Marissa also consults for the Congressional Management Foundation, helping to train their clients in best practices regarding legislative advocacy.  She also serves on several committees and boards including the Steering Committee of Public Higher Education Legislative Advocacy Professionals, a national organization of higher education advocacy professionals who are dedicated to determining the best practices for advocacy in the higher education setting. 

Marissa has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Texas State University and a master’s in political science from the University of Illinois Springfield. She also has a certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management from the Public Affairs Council and a certificate as a Master Online Teacher Advancing Practice and Innovation in Online Learning from the University of Illinois Springfield.

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Kathy Sullivan

Assistant Director of Advocacy

Kathy Sullivan brings over 20 years of experience in public engagement, with a career spanning state government, federal service, and higher education.

She began her career in state government, managing appointments to boards and commissions for the Illinois Governor’s Office. She then transitioned to the federal level, focusing on community relations for U.S. Senator Barack Obama, ultimately serving as Acting Downstate Director.

For over 16 years, Kathy has been with the University of Illinois System. She first served as Senior Assistant Director at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs and currently holds the position of Assistant Director for Advocacy in the Office of Communications and External Relations. In this role, she works to engage alumni and other key stakeholders in advocacy on behalf of the System.

Kathy holds a bachelor's degree from Millikin University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield. She was a member of the inaugural class of the Professional Staff Leadership Program, a 2023 graduate of the United Way’s Emerging Leaders Program, and a 2012 recipient of the University’s Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Award.

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Theresa Thomas

Visiting Advocacy Specialist

Theresa Thomas joined the University of Illinois System in January 2020 as the Visiting Advocacy Specialist. A native Chicagoan, she graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2019 and has a BA in Anthropology.

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